County Row Offices Explained: Sheriff to Coroner

When people think of county government, they picture the county council or commission. But many counties also elect a set of officials who each run one office: the sheriff, the treasurer, the clerk of court and others. These are often called row offices or constitutional offices.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) counts more than 18,600 independently elected row officers across the country, which is close to the number of county board members. If you want to run a public office rather than vote on policy as one of many, one of these seats may be the better fit.

How row offices differ from council seats

A council member is one vote on a board. A row officer is the head of an office. The difference matters in a few ways.

You manage people and a budget. Row officers hire, supervise and lead staff every day, within the budget the county board provides.
It is usually a full-time job. Most row offices are paid positions with regular hours and more.
Your duties come from state law. NACo notes that offices like auditor, clerk, court clerk, sheriff and treasurer are often required by state constitutions, and their duties are mostly set by state statute.
You answer to voters, not the council. The council funds your office, but it generally can't direct how you do your job.
Some offices have extra qualifications. Sheriff, coroner and judicial offices are the most common examples.

Which offices are elected, and what they are called, depends on your state. Some counties, especially those with home rule, can make an office appointed or merge it with another, according to NACo. Check your county's website or election office for the list that applies to you.

The common row offices

Sheriff

The sheriff is the county's chief law enforcement officer in many places. Duties commonly include running the county jail, serving court papers, providing courthouse security and patrolling areas outside city limits. In Wisconsin, for example, state law gives the sheriff custody of the county jail and its prisoners and the duty to serve legal process and keep the peace.

Clerk of court

The clerk of court keeps court records, manages case files and dockets, and collects court fees and fines. Some states call this office the clerk of circuit court, prothonotary or similar names. In some counties the clerk also handles land records.

Auditor

The county auditor's role varies the most from state to state. In some places the auditor keeps the county's financial records and checks spending. In others, the auditor prepares property tax bills based on assessed values. Read your state's statute to see which kind of auditor your county has.

Treasurer

The treasurer collects property taxes and other county revenue, deposits and invests county money and pays out funds as the board authorizes. In Wisconsin, state law has the treasurer receive county money and pay it out on order of the county board.

Coroner

The coroner investigates deaths that are sudden, unexplained or violent and determines the cause and manner of death. Some states use appointed medical examiners instead of, or along with, elected coroners. The CDC notes that in most states coroners are not required to be physicians, and that state law often requires coroners to complete death investigation training.

Probate judge

Probate courts handle wills, estates, guardianships and related matters, and in some states they also issue marriage licenses. In some states probate judges are elected at the county level. In others, probate matters go to a general trial court.

Register of deeds

The register of deeds, sometimes called the recorder, records deeds, mortgages, liens and plats and keeps them available to the public. In some states this office also keeps birth, death and marriage records.

Check the extra qualifications early

For council and school board races, eligibility usually comes down to age, residency and voter registration. Row offices can be different. Before you spend a dollar, find out whether your target office requires any of the following:

A professional certification, such as law enforcement certification for sheriff
A minimum number of years of related experience
A certain level of education
A background check or fingerprinting
Training that must be completed after you take office
A law license, for some judicial offices

Our guide to candidate eligibility requirements covers how to find and read these rules.

Campaigning for a row office

Row office races are usually countywide, so you will need to reach voters across the whole county. That often means a larger budget and more ground to cover than a district council race.

Voters also judge row office candidates differently. They want to know whether you can run the office well: keep records accurate, treat the public fairly, manage staff and spend money carefully. Your experience, your plan for the office and your reputation for honesty matter more than broad policy positions. Depending on your state, these races may be partisan or nonpartisan, so learn how your race is run with our guide to partisan and nonpartisan races.

Before you decide

Visit the office you're thinking about running for and see how it serves the public.
Read the state statute that sets the office's duties and qualifications.
Look at the office's budget in the county's adopted budget.
Talk with people who work in or with the office, such as attorneys, title examiners or deputies.
Find the state association for that office. Many have one for sheriffs, clerks, treasurers and others.

When you're ready, the readiness self-check will help you see what to work on first.

Common questions

Why are they called row offices?

The term is commonly used for county offices whose holders are elected independently to run a specific function, like the sheriff or treasurer. You may also hear them called constitutional officers, because many are created by state constitutions.

Does the county council supervise row officers?

Usually not directly. Row officers answer to voters and to state law. The council typically funds their offices through the county budget, which gives it influence but not day-to-day control.

Do I need special credentials to run for sheriff or coroner?

Sometimes. Some states require sheriff candidates to have law enforcement certification or experience, and state law often requires coroners to complete death investigation training. Check your state's qualifications with your election office before you file.

Are row offices full-time jobs?

Most are. Unlike many council and school board seats, row officers usually manage a staff and a budget every working day, and their pay usually reflects that.

Sources

Rules change. Always confirm with your own state and local election offices.